Sabres' McGinn one of few big UFA names remaining as NHL teams get active

After a flurry of moves throughout the NHL this weekend, Jamie McGinn has risen up the trade-bait depth chart. The Sabres could still opt to re-sign the pending unrestricted free agent, but he said Saturday night he’ll be waiting for the phone to ring informing him of a deal.

“There’s no news,” McGinn’s agent, Thane Campbell, said Sunday by phone. “I have no news at all. I have nothing to say. There’s just nothing going on that I’m going to say anything about.”

McGinn has made the most of his top-six role with the Sabres, recording 14 goals and 27 points. He’d likely be a secondary player on a contender, and they’d love his willingness to get in front and work along the boards.

Florida has interest in McGinn, according to Panthers reporters George Richards and Harvey Fialkov, and so does Los Angeles, according to TSN’s Travis Yost.

Based on trades made during the past six years featuring players with stats and a resume similar to McGinn, he is worth a third-round pick. That may increase based on the lack of players on the market or decrease based on the number of teams still looking for players. Buffalo has additional bargaining chips in the form of 20 draft picks during the next two years; the ability to retain salary from two contracts; and plenty of cap room to absorb unwanted contracts.

Here’s a look at who is left among unrestricted free agents and a roundup of the recently completed deals.

Who’s left

Forwards

Radim Vrbata, Vancouver: He’s eclipsed 30 goals twice, so teams in need of pop could be enticed by his history.

P-A Parenteau, Toronto: The forward has 16 goals and leads the Maple Leafs in game-winners (three) and power-play goals (six).

Kris Russell, Calgary: The defenseman skates nearly 23 minutes per game and has recorded 15 points. He leads the Flames with 174 blocked shots, an average of 3.4 per game.

Dan Hamhuis, Vancouver: The 33-year-old defenseman would help shore up a shaky penalty-kill situation. He’s also played 62 playoff games.

Others: Matt Bartkowski, Vancouver; Carlo Colaiacovo, Buffalo.

Goaltenders

Chad Johnson, Buffalo: The goalie can be a really good player as his .954 save percentage during seven starts in November showed, but he has given up four goals or more in six of his last 16 appearances.

Colorado put goaltender Reto Berra on waivers Sunday, meaning a team can claim him for nothing rather than trade for Johnson.

Completed deals

Carolina trades Eric Staal to the New York Rangers for forward Aleksi Saarela and two second-round picks.